A SPATE of copper thefts from electricity substations in Flintshire is putting people’s lives at risk.

Thieves stole a 25-30m copper strip from a ScottishPower substation on Aber Road Industrial Park in Flint on Saturday between 7.30am and 12.30pm.

District inspector Iwan Roberts is appealing for witnesses to the incident.

He said: “This kind of theft is dangerous.

“The offenders climbed into the building and are putting themselves at risk of being electrocuted.”

And a spokesman for ScottishPower said the thefts were becoming more and more common in Flintshire.

He said since January thieves had targeted substations in Flint, Queensferry, Greenfield and Connah’s Quay.

“Thieves typically force their way into substations or scale overhead power lines to steal small amounts of copper, which is then sold on as scrap,” he said.

“These desperate actions not only jeopardise the reliability of electricity supplies, but increasingly put lives at risk.

“Looking at the damage to some of our equipment, we believe that the thieves only have a very limited knowledge about what they are doing.

“They are showing staggering disregard for their own safety, the safety of the public and that of our employees.

“It is important that all our equipment is in service so we can maintain a good quality of electricity supply to all of our customers who depend on our service.

“These dangerous acts not only have the potential to cause serious injury but could also result in widespread loss of electricity supply to homes and businesses.

He added: “It quite simply beggars belief that anyone would put their life on the line by interfering with thousands of volts of electricity to steal small amounts of copper with a minimal scrap value.

“If the gangs persist with this reckless behaviour it is only a matter of time before someone is killed.

“We are working closely with the police, but we would also like to ask any concerned residents who may have information to get in touch.

“Our confidential hotline 0800 027 1950 is open 24 hours a day.”

North Wales Police is appealing for witnesses or anyone with information to contact them on 101.